Psychological Assessment
I specialize in psychological and psycho-educational assessments for children (ages 3 and up), adolescents, and adults. I have extensive experience providing meaningful assessments in a variety of clinical and educational settings.
What is the purpose of an assessment?
Psychological or psycho-educational assessment can explain the nature of challenges at home/school/work, emotional struggles, and/or difficulties with relationships (i.e., parent-child, peer, romantic, etc.). Additionally, a formal assessment is often required in order to qualify for certain educational or mental health-related services or accommodations. I provide psychological assessments that carefully integrate information from an individual’s background/history with testing data in order to address the client’s referral question(s). I take a collaborative approach to assessment and work thoughtfully with clients and families to ensure that each assessment is meaningful.
What kinds of assessments do I provide?
Common Concerns Addressed in Assessments Referred to me:
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Specific Learning Disorders (i.e., Reading/Dyslexia, Writing/Dysgraphia, Mathematics/Dyscalculia)
Intellectual/Cognitive Functioning
Adaptive Functioning
Clarification of Emotional Disorders (i.e., Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, etc.)
Clarification of Behavioral/Interpersonal Challenges
Examples of referral questions include:
Why is my child struggling academically/in school/in relationships?
Why is reading/writing/math so hard? Does my child have a learning disorder?
Does my child qualify for a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Do I qualify for a diagnosis of ASD?
Why doesn’t my child have any friends? Why do I experience challenges with relationships?
Does my child qualify for a diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyper Activity Disorder (AD/HD)? Do I have AD/HD?
Would my child benefit from accommodations/support services in school?
Why isn’t therapy progressing?
Is my child depressed?
Is my child anxious?
How do I make sense of my child’s unique set of challenges?
How can I better understand my child’s behavior?
What is the cause of my child’s aggressive behavior?
What therapeutic support will be most helpful to me right now?
How can I best support my child?
It is important to keep in mind that a psychological assessment does not guarantee (nor preclude) me from making a particular diagnosis. Similarly, obtaining an assessment does not offer a guarantee of any particular accommodations or recommendations. Diagnoses and recommendations are determined based on a synthesis of background information, client interview, collateral interviews/review of records (when necessary), behavioral observations, and testing data.
What can I expect from the assessment process?
Each assessment begins with a brief phone consultation. Once I have a sense of the scope of testing, I will provide you with a price estimate for the assessment based on my hourly rate. Depending on the age of the client, each assessment begins with an initial 90-minute parent or client interview so that I can gather information about the client’s background history. The initial interview is followed by 2 – 4 in-person test administration sessions with the client. Test administration sessions typically range from 2 – 4 hours depending on the client’s developmental level and the referral question. If testing includes cognitive or academic measures, appointments usually begin in the morning. Breaks are provided as needed throughout testing. Keep in mind that students will likely have to miss some school in order to complete testing.
Approximately 3 - 4 weeks after the final testing session, I will meet with the client or parent(s) for a 90 - 120 minute feedback session. During the feedback session, I will verbally review results of testing, provide individualized recommendations, and answer any questions. At the end of the feedback meeting, the parent(s) or client are provided with a copy of the full written report, which summarizes and synthesizes all assessment data. Depending on the age of the client and the nature of the referral question, I require that the client or client’s parent(s) attend an in-person feedback session prior to receiving the copy of the final written report.
When appropriate, a separate “mini” child/adolescent feedback session of 20 – 30 minutes will be provided to child/adolescent clients.
What is included in the assessment?
Services may include some or all of the following:
Initial interview with client and parent(s) or caregiver
Review of available records (prior testing, I.E.P.’s, grade reports, etc.)
Collateral contact with school staff, family members, other providers, etc.
Observation of client in an academic and/or social setting
Assessment of cognitive, developmental, neuropsychological, academic, social-emotional, personality, behavioral, and/or adaptive functioning.
Scoring and interpretation of assessment measures
Integrative written report of assessment findings and individualized recommendations
Feedback session with client and/or parent(s)
Feedback session with teachers, referring parties, and other relevant service providers
How much does an assessment cost?
Assessment services are billed at my current hourly rate for assessment. After your phone consultation, I will send you a personalized estimate of the number of hours that are necessary to answer your specific referral question.
Sometimes, testing takes longer than anticipated or issues arise that necessitate the administration of additional assessment measures. In these circumstances, I will discuss this with you and (when necessary) provide you with a new price estimate that accounts for additional testing.
How long until I receive my results?
Typically, in-person feedback and the written report will be provided approximately 4-weeks after the conclusion of the final testing session. It is not unusual for the process of testing (from start to finish) to span over the course of two months.